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Older Americans Month 2019

Every May, the United States honors the elderly with Older Americans Month. We acknowledge the contributions and highlight the impacts that the elder community has had on our society. In May of 2019, we are asked to celebrate Older Americans Month by connecting with friends and family, creating by engaging in activities that promote learning and health, and contributing time and talent to benefit others.

History of Older Americans Month

In 1963, 17 million Americans had reached the age of 65 and nearly one third of older Americans were living in poverty. Few programs were available to help older Americans, which sparked interest and concern regarding both the wellbeing and safety of these individuals. A meeting in 1963 between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens led to the creation of Senior Citizens Month, which later transformed into Older Americans Month.

Since the 1963 designation of May as a month to recognize Older Americans, the entire country has celebrated May over the years with ceremonies, events, and various other activities.

Older Americans Month 2019 – Connect, Create, & Contribute

Older Americans Month focuses on acknowledging the positive contributions older Americans have made and continue to make within society while celebrating the reality that older Americans play a vital role in the successes of their communities.

The Administration for Community Living leads the way in celebrating Older Americans Month each May by supporting community involvement and encouraging complete recognition of the elderly. The 2019 theme for Older Americans Month encourages both older Americans and their communities to:

Connect with friends, family, and services that support participation

Create by engaging in activities that promote learning, health, and personal enrichment

Contribute time, talent, and life experience to benefit others

Older Americans in Nebraska

Older Nebraskans are positively contributing to their communities each day. According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, over 234,993 volunteer hours were logged by older Nebraskans in the last federal fiscal year. Some of these volunteer activities include assisting at local senior centers or community centers, proving companionship for homebound older Nebraskans, and acting as a foster grandparent. Foster grandparents act as encouraging role models to children at local schools, Head Start programs, hospitals, and child development centers. We want to recognize older Nebraskans not only throughout the month of May, but the whole year for serving as such positive contributors to the entire state.

Dedicated Elder Law Attorneys

At Berry Law, we are dedicated to helping the elderly with their needs when it comes to aging comfortably and safely. While it is impossible to prepare for all aspects of aging, you can prepare yourself for some of the legal challenges that come with aging by contacting an Omaha elder law attorney. Contact us today at 402-466-8444 to schedule a consultation about estate planning, fiduciary representation, legal capacity counseling, Medicaid planning, supplemental needs trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and more.